James Monroe Sought Advice from Thomas Jefferson
October 17, 1823
Everyone needs advice at times, even the president of the United States. On October 17, 1823, President James Monroe wrote a letter to his friend and Virginia neighbor Thomas Jefferson seeking advice on foreign policy. The issue at hand was whether or not to join forces with Britain in a declaration against Spain's efforts to rule in South America. "Shall we entangle ourselves at all, in European politics... on the side of any power?" Monroe asked.